Vancouver Island was the wildest stretch of the journey: forest almost reaches the ocean, roads cross immense spaces and every kayaking trip demands attention to weather, sea and wildlife.
The island is large and most people live in the south-east, where Victoria stands. Nanaimo is often a practical arrival point for Pacific Rim's west coast: Parks Canada estimates about three hours' driving from the ferry terminal to the Long Beach Unit.
Tofino and Ucluelet are the two bases on either side of the Long Beach Unit. Long beaches, temperate-rainforest trails and the Kwisitis Visitor Centre lie between them. Long Beach is not merely a viewpoint: tides, rip currents and unexpected waves demand attention.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has three separate units: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail. The Broken Group Islands are accessible only by boat; camping and kayaking require permits, fog and tide navigation skills and self-rescue preparation.
The West Coast Trail runs 75 kilometres and Parks Canada considers it challenging even for experienced walkers: ladders, mud, rivers, wind and rain normally shape a six-to-eight-day journey. It opens and takes reservations only in the stated season; our 2010 documents are historical records, not current operating guides.
Bear and orca encounters were extraordinary, but they never justify approaching or pursuing wildlife. The videos are journey records; responsible practice now means choosing authorised operators, following distances and instructions and always leaving animals an escape route.
Orcas are not simply 'killers', but complex predators. The kayak trip was moving precisely because we were guests in an environment we did not control.
The photographs gather coast, camps, rainforest, encounters and long days on the water. Here, the Canada of the journey finally stopped being a backdrop and became a direct relationship with the Pacific.
Photographs of Vancouver Island and the Pacific Rim
Where to find Vancouver Island and Pacific Rim
Useful sources
Frequently asked questions about Vancouver Island and Pacific Rim
How much time should I allow for Vancouver Island and Pacific Rim?
As a guide for planning your trip, allow four days or more.